Ap psychology Course Syllabus Mrs. Camacho

The purpose of AP Psychology is to introduce students to the systematic and scientific study of the behavior and mental processes of human beings and other animals. Students are exposed to the psychological facts, principles, and phenomena associated with each of the major subfields within psychology.

Course Objectives

1. Students will prepare to do acceptable work on the AP Psychology Examination.

2. Students will study the major core concepts and theories of psychology. They will be able to define key terms and use them in their everyday vocabulary.

3. Students will learn the basic skills of psychological research and be able to apply psychological concepts to their own lives.

4. Students will develop critical thinking skills.

5. Students will develop essay writing skills that will satisfy the writing requirements for the AP exam.

6. Students will write an APA style research paper using APA guidelines.

Students will be taking an AP format exam for each chapter of the text. The test will include 50 multiple choice questions and one free response question. Each test is valued at 150 points. Students will also earn grades for chapter outlines and note cards, each valued at 20 points. These activities will occur in each chapter. Each section will also include a paper or project that will relate to the subject, worth 40 points. This includes watching a video and writing an essay, research papers and compare/contrast assignments. Students will be taking an AP Psychology released exam as their final.

Formative assessments (assignments, homework…etc) will be 40% of the student’s grade. Summative assessments (tests and major projects) will be 60%.

Students will have one opportunity per 9 weeks to retake a test in which they did not score an A the first time. The re-take can be scheduled ONLY after remediation has occurred with the

teacher. Remediation could include extra work and assignments related to the concepts they are trying to master.

IMPORTANT

Students who take an Advanced Placement course are required to sit for the A.P. Exam in May for that course. If for any reason you do not take the A.P. Exam, you will be assessed a charge from DeLand High School and the name of your course will be changed to an “honors” or “regular” designation rather than “A.P.” This will also result in a change of weighting for the course from a 5.0 to either a 4.5 or a 4.0, which could affect your class rank and weighted grade point average.

A grade sheet will be provided with each task listed assigned different point values. It is the responsibility of the student to complete all tasks prior to the end of the semester. Student points earned will be divided by total points possible to receive a percentage grade. There will also be many occasions where grades will be earned for attendance at the event. For example: fundraisers, Open House, etc.

Purpose of this course:

To teach students to accomplish the maintenance and the enhancement of the academic promotion program known as Renaissance OR to teach students to accomplish the maintenance and the enhancement of the school club known as SGA. Students will be responsible for fulfilling their officer and committee duties. Each student will investigate the principles of leadership and strong character as necessary ingredients for successful promotion of their respective club. Students will learn to research, organize, fund, and facilitate all aspects relating to the fulfillment of their club responsibilities.

Intended Outcome:

To learn effective leadership skills.

To apply leadership skills in management roles within committees.

To have working knowledge of the 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens.

To integrate the principles of leadership, character and effective life skills into the mission of their club.

To educate the student body, the faculty and the community to the principles of their club.

To contact and establish community support for cards, incentives, shirts, celebrations etc…
DHS Rules:

Students are expected to follow all DHS rules and act appropriately in class. Students will be given hall passes to wear.

Any abuse of the pass will result in permanent removal of the pass. Passes will be kept in Camacho’s room.

Attendance is crucial to the success of Renaissance and SGA. Excessive absences will be dealt with accordingly.